Armed police threw stun grenades as they stormed a Bangkok room yesterday and arrested two men who stand accused of killing a policeman during a shootout while fleeing arrest on drug charges in southern Phatthalung province early this month.
Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), said Jamras Rakchan, 45, and Atthaphon Mai-on, 21, were arrested in a rented room at Central Mansion on Lat Phrao 122 Road in Wang Thonglang district in the morning.
They were the prime suspects in the fatal shooting of Pol Snr Sgt Maj Anant Meesaeng of the Crime Suppression Division. He was shot at Ban Tha Nang Phrom intersection in tambon Khok Muang of Khao Chaison district in Phatthalung province on March 9.
About 30 fully armed police were deployed for the arrest, which started with the use of stun grenades, Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop said. The 17-year-old girlfriend of Mr Jamras was also in the room when it was raided.
He said the suspects were linked to other cases involving drugs and attempted murder.
After the fatal shooting in Phatthalung, Mr Jamras hid in rubber plantations in the southern province. He arrived in Bangkok a few days ago and may have been planning to leave the country, Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop said.
The suspects denied all charges but police have a strong case despite the murder weapon having not yet been found, the CIB commissioner said.
A source said Mr Jamras and Mr Atthaphon travelled to Bangkok by private car and took a taxi to Wang Thonglang district, an area where they believed they could remain undetected.
Mr Jamras, alias Chui Khaochan, was listed 145th on the Royal Thai Police's wanted list.